In an email to staff following her resignation, ABC acting managing director David Anderson said: "Lou Higgins, chief financial and strategy officer, informed the leadership team a short while ago that she has resigned and will be leaving the ABC in February 2019."

Mr Anderson praised Ms Higgins's work: "Lou has worked tirelessly since she joined the ABC in February 2017," he said.

"Her strategic leadership, and her drive, enthusiasm and commitment to the ABC will be missed.

"She joined the ABC at a time of immense change, and having successfully overseen significant transformation, Lou has decided it's the right time for her to embark on the next phase of her career.

"We have decided to make this announcement now to give all of us the opportunity to openly recruit for Lou's replacement.

"We will update you with more information in the coming weeks.

"In the meantime, please join me in wishing Lou all the best for the future."

Previously the chief operating officer for Nova Entertainment, Louise was also an associate director with Macquarie Bank and spent seven years working at the BBC in London in a variety of senior finance roles.